Railroad Tie Setting Apparatus and Method

ABSTRACT

A cross tie setting apparatus includes a frame with depending, flexible connecting members provided for support of multiple, parallel, generally co-planar, spaced cross ties suspended from the frame. The connecting members include terminal attachment mechanisms for easy connection to ties supported by the frame. The individual ties are thus arrayed in generally parallel, co-planar, side by side relation. The entire assembly may be placed on a rail roadbed and selected ties detached from the connecting members of the frame construction. The remaining ties may then be lifted by the frame and moved to an appropriate adjacent position on the roadbed in a manner which maintains appropriate spacing between the ties.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a utility application claiming priority to and incorporating by reference provisional application Ser. No. 61/834,676 filed Jun. 13, 2013 entitled “Railroad Tie Setting Apparatus and Method”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods designed to enable the setting of multiple railroad ties on a roadbed with a fixed spacing between the ties. More particularly, the method is directed to the setting of multiple railroad ties generally simultaneously on a roadbed. Apparatus for effecting the placement of the ties is also disclosed.

The construction or repair of railroad tracks involves the preparation of a roadbed, followed by placement of generally parallel railroad ties on the compacted roadbed and subsequent placement and attachment of parallel rails transverse to the ties. Ballast may then be placed between the ties, tamped and otherwise positioned on and in the roadbed.

Various types of materials are used for the ties. The ties may, for example, be manufactured of wood. In such a circumstance, the wood ties are positioned on a roadbed adjacent to each other and spaced one from the other typically by a uniform distance. The ties are arrayed on a roadbed transversely to the direction the rails are positioned on the ties. Generally the industry provides that the center spacing of the parallel railroad ties is approximately 24 inches. Thus the ties, which typically have a width in the range of about eight inches, are spaced approximately 16 inches from each other.

In recent decades, wood ties have been supplanted to an increasing extent by cast concrete ties. The cast concrete ties are dimensionally very similar to the wood ties that have been used for generations. Their configuration and spacing is also very similar to that of the wood ties. There is a major difference in that when using wood ties, the steel rails are attached thereto by placing the rails on plates positioned on the top surface of each wood tie and driving rail retention spikes through openings in the plates into the wood tie. The spikes include a crown or head which overlaps or fits over a lower flange of the steel rail to hold or clinch the rail and plate tightly in place on the wood tie.

In the circumstance involving precast concrete cement ties, the steel plates may include various types of connectors and are cast in place on the top surface of the concrete tie. The cast in place connector or plate may include clips which may be moved or pivoted to fit over the lower flange of the steel rails positioned on top of the cast in place plates of a concrete tie. The retention clips or plates of each cross tie are typically spaced the desired distance of the parallel steel rails.

In any event, as a result of either new rail construction or replacement and repair, it is often necessary to reconstruct the roadbed, remove old ties, replace old ties with new ties, and of course, reassemble or attach rails to new cross ties. Such activities may be necessitated by aging of the rail right of way or accident or damage which is caused for various reasons. However, there is a constant need to repair, replace, rebuild and install railway tracks using either wooden ties or cast concrete ties. Thus, labor and cost saving devices which will facilitate such activities are considered highly desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a principal aspect, the present invention comprises a method as well as apparatus useful for simultaneously setting multiple railroad ties on a roadbed with a fixed spacing between each pair of the multiple cross ties placed on the roadbed. The apparatus comprises a support frame which, in one embodiment, includes a first generally longitudinal frame member and a second, generally parallel, spaced frame member. The frame members are connected by one or more cross members in order to maintain appropriate spacing and enhance the rigidity of the frame. Typically, the first and second frame members are spaced one from the other by the same distance as rails that will be placed on the ties. However alternate spacing and configurations of the frame and the elements of the frame are contemplated.

Supported by and suspended from each of the first and second frame members are a series of tie engaging connectors such as chains or cables. The tie engaging connectors are attached to the first and second longitudinal frame members, depend therefrom and include engaging members at their lower ends. The lower ends or free ends of the connectors include a tie engaging mechanism or member for attachment to a tie. The connectors are arrayed on the frame so that laterally opposed and spaced connectors may be attached to and maintain ties generally parallel to each other, coplanar and transverse to the first and second longitudinal frame members. Thus, multiple parallel sets of laterally opposed spaced connectors are arrayed to be simultaneously connected to and support multiple ties in generally parallel, co-planar or side by side array transverse to the first and second frame members.

The ties which are supported by the frame, and more particularly the ties are supported by the depending connectors from the frame, and are spaced laterally from each other on the first and second longitudinal frame members. The spacing is a feature of the invention. Thus, for example, a tie which has a width in the range of about eight inches will be positioned in parallel array to a series of additional ties supported on the frame. Each of the ties will be supported generally at its midpoint and thus the connectors are spaced on the order of 12 or more inches from each other so that the ties may be maintained in generally parallel side by side and co-planar, spaced array. Multiple spaced ties, and in various embodiments, ten or more ties may be supported on a single frame with the center attachment of adjacent parallel spaced about 12 inches.

When so supported on a single frame the parallel cross ties will be side by side generally transverse to the longitudinal direction of the first and second frame members and with each tie generally connected to the first and second frame members at a lateral spacing which generally replicates the lateral spacing of rails that are to be placed thereon and attached thereto. However, the lateral spacing of the connector elements is not limited to such spacing.

The frame further includes a hook or some other support or connection mechanism on a top side thereof which enables the frame to be attached and supported generally horizontally by a crane or other lifting device. Thus, the frame may be lifted from the top side with the ties suspended therefrom below the frame and positioned over a roadbed so that the ties can be lowered onto the roadbed by lowering the frame. Upon placement of the ties upon the roadbed, selected or alternate ties may be detached from the connectors to the frame. That is, the tie engaging mechanism at the end of selected connectors can be detached from the selected ties. Those detached ties will then remain in place on the roadbed once the frame is again lifted. However, the remaining ties attached to the frame may then be lifted from the roadbed and positioned at a different place on the roadbed.

In practice, by way of example, since roadbed ties may exhibit a 24 inch center to center dimension, alternate ties may be positioned to remain on a roadbed and the remaining ties then lifted and moved to thereby be positioned adjacent to those ties previously placed on the roadbed. In this manner, a multiple number of railroad ties supported on a single frame may be easily and quickly positioned by a single frame lifting mechanism, such as a portable crane, subsequently positioned on a roadbed and selected ties detached from the frame so that they will remain on the roadbed. Thus the remaining ties connected to and supported by the frame may be placed in an adjacent, additional or distinct portion of the roadbed, then detached from the frame to remain in place on the roadbed. The spacing of the collection of remaining ties from the previously positioned ties may be gauged or set by spacer blocks positioned on the roadbed.

Among the features and aspects of the invention is the variability in the tie engaging mechanisms for attachment to ties. That is, the connectors may constitute, by way of example, a cable or chain which is attached to the longitudinal frame members. A free end of the chain may be capable of attachment of various types of tie engaging mechanisms or members depending upon the type of ties that are to be utilized in combination with the tie and tie rail construction. Hooks, angle irons and clip fasteners are examples of connector elements at the free end of a cable or chain for attachment to a tie or clip on plate fixed to a tie.

As another aspect of the invention the frame may include multiple cross members.

As another aspect of the invention the cross members and other component parts of the frame may be symmetrical about a centerline axis as well as a transverse axis. The symmetry of the device enhances its utility by making it easier for lifting by a crane with predictable and easy placement of the ties supported thereby. Further, the frame support assembly will typically be designed to maintain the frame in a generally horizontal attitude.

Thus, it is an object, advantage and feature of the invention to provide an improved method for placement of multiple ties simultaneously on a railroad roadbed.

Another object, advantage, aspect and feature of the invention is to provide a method for increasing the efficiency of the placement in terms of time and ease of operation of ties upon a railroad roadbed.

Another aspect, benefit and feature of the invention is to provide a method for attachment of multiple rail ties to a single frame member wherein the rail ties may be spaced generally uniformly, generally parallel, and in side by side or co-planar array for subsequent transport and placement onto a roadbed.

A further or shaped object, advantage and feature of the invention is to provide a generally rectangular or shaped frame for supporting ties, and to provide a frame design that may be specially constructed to support rail ties that may be utilized for generation of a curve along a rail line or roadbed.

A further object, advantage, aspect and feature of the invention is to provide means to improve the economic installation of various types of rail ties including ties made of wood or concrete.

Another object, advantage and feature of the invention is to provide a support frame for maintaining multiple rail ties supported in parallel, co-planar, horizontal generally uniformly spaced array by attachment devices which suspend the ties underneath the frame.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In the detailed description which follows, reference will be made to the drawing comprised of the following figures and accompanying photographs:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C comprise a flow diagram depicting the method of operation of the embodiment of apparatus of the type of FIGS. 1-3 and of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the invention including a frame, connectors for supporting cross ties including attachment members at the open or free end of the connectors for fastening to the cross ties;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 5 depicting the attachment of cross ties thereto supported by the frame and connecting members so that the cross ties are arranged in side by side co-planar array;

FIG. 6A is an isometric view of a single concrete cross tie coupled to connecting members;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a clevis which is attached to a frame and designed for engagement by a lift crane or the like;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a connecting members in the form of a chain and with a safety hook at the free end thereof for attachment to a railroad cross tie;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of another type of fastening member which is designed for attachment at the end of a flexible connecting member namely a chain and a connected member which is compatible with engagement and attachment temporarily to a railroad cross ties;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a concrete cross tie having a clip attachment assembly for engaging and cooperating with a steel rail and further depicting the attachment of a safety hook located at one end of the connecting member to the clamp or clip affixed to the concrete cross tie;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view illustrating the manner of removal or disengagement of a safety hook from a clip of a concrete cross tie;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view illustrating a number of concrete cross ties supported by a chain and wherein rail attachment clips of the cross ties are engaged with and supported by connecting members so that the cross ties are arranged in co-planar parallel array;

FIG. 13 is an end view of the invention embodiment supporting a wide rail gauge cross tie; and

FIG. 14 is an end view of the invention embodiment supporting a wide rail gauge cross tie.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7, depict an embodiment of the invention. The remaining figures depict aspects of the invention. The embodiment of the invention comprises a frame 18 which includes a first generally rectangular cross section elongate channel 20 and a substantially identical second elongate channel 22. The channels or frame members 20 and 22 are joined together by cross members 24, 26 and 28 which extend transversely between the first and second channels or frame members 20 and 22. The cross members 24, 26 and 28, which are transverse to the longitudinal, parallel, channel members 20 and 22, together constitute a generally symmetrical construction symmetrical about a longitudinal axis 30 and a transverse or normal axis 32 as depicted in FIG. 1.

Each of the first and second longitudinal frame members 20 and 22 include a longitudinal, center, top plate 34 and 36, providing respectively for supplemental structural integrity. The plates 34 and 36 are coextensive with the longitudinal frame members 20 and 22. Further, each of the longitudinal members 20, 22 include a lower plate such as plate 38 in FIG. 3 for the longitudinal member 22 and plate 39 for frame member 20. The plate 38 is parallel to and centered on the longitudinal second frame member 22 and extends coextensively with that frame member 22. The plate 38 includes a series of attachment openings and members such as attachment openings and members 40 and 42. Connected to the separate attachment members 40 and 42 are separate tie connectors in the form of chains 44 and 46. Each of the connectors 44 and 46 include a tie engaging or attachment mechanisms 48 and 50 as shown in FIG. 3 at their outer end. A multiple series of spaced connectors including tie engaging mechanisms is provided along the longitudinal length of the plate 38 and its companion plate 39 as shown in FIG. 2.

In the embodiment depicted, the connectors 44 and 46 are chains and the tie engaging mechanisms are hooks such as safety hooks. The points of connection or attachment members 40 and 42 are spaced in the embodiment depicted on 12 inch centers which is substantially one half of the standard spacing of parallel rail ties positioned on a railroad bed. In the embodiment depicted, there are ten separate spaced longitudinally arrayed combinations of the connectors and tie engaging mechanisms all separated one from the other by the common distance of 12 inches which is one half of a standard in the rail industry for separation of eight inch wide cross ties.

The center cross member 26 includes a top side plate member 60 with a clevis or hook 62 at the midpoint thereof. The clevis or hook 62 is designed to receive a compatible hook of a lifting mechanism, such as a crane, so that the entire frame as depicted in the FIGS. 5 and 6 may be lifted and will remain in a stable horizontal plane when loaded with ties. FIG. 7 depicts the hook or clevis 62.

The tie engaging connectors are designed to engage ties such as ties 70 and 72 and support the ties beneath the frame. Thus, cross ties may be connected to and supported by the frame in co-planar, parallel array supported by connectors and tie engaging mechanisms depending from the first frame member 20 and spaced second frame member 22. FIGS. 8 and 9 depict various engaging connectors and tie engaging mechanisms. FIGS. 10-12 depict tie engaging mechanisms including special mechanisms or safety hooks which are designed for engagement with the clip plates that are incorporated in precast concrete ties.

FIGS. 4A-4C depict a method of operation of the device of FIGS. 1-3 and 5 and 6. FIGS. 4A-4C comprise a flow diagram depicting the manner in which an operator would deploy the frame or apparatus of FIGS. 1-3. For example, ties 80-85 would be attached side by side by attachment to adjacent spaced connector and tie engaging mechanisms such as mechanisms 48 and 70 respectively to a tie clip 90 cast to the tie 80, by way of example, and a tie clip 92 also affixed to tie 80. Thus, inasmuch as the first and second frame members 20 and 22 are or may be spaced approximately the distance between tie clips 90 and 92, all of the ties 80-85 will be supported in parallel, co-planar array adjacent one to the other and with alternate ties 80 and 82 separated between their center lines by 24 inches. Thus, the ties 80, 82 and 84 are separated by 24 inches. The ties 81, 83 and 85 are similarly separated by 24 inch spacing. All of the ties, however, will be supported by the frame member depicted in FIGS. 1-3 and 5. They will be supported by engaging the various clips, such as clips 90 and 92, by the tie engaging means such as the tie engaging means 70.

Thus, the first step in the operation of a device of the type depicted in FIGS. 1-3 and 5 is illustrated in FIG. 4A and involves attachment of ties to all of the tie engaging connectors. Then entire array is lifted by engaging the clevis or hook 62 with hook 66 a crane or the like and lifting the frame. The ties 80-85 will thus be suspended by the apparatus or frame. The frame may then be placed over a rail roadbed in a desired position and the entire frame lowered so that all of the ties 80-85 will be positioned on the roadbed.

As a next step alternate connectors associated with ties 80, 82 and 84 are disconnected but the connectors 90, 92 of alternative ties 81, 83 and 85 remain connected, The frame will then again be lifted leaving ties 80, 82 and 84 in position on the roadbed spaced with a 24 inch distance between their center lines. A 16 inch space will exist between the approximately eight inch wide, precast concrete ties as indicated in the flow diagram of FIG. 4B.

The remaining ties, which are suspended by the frame, can then be moved relative to the ties 80, 82, and 84. Spacer blocks 100 and 102 are or may first be placed adjacent the tie 84. The frame may then be lowered as shown graphically in FIG. 4C so that the remaining ties, still supported by the frame; namely, ties 81, 83 and 85, will be placed on the roadbed. Those ties 81, 83 and 85 may then be disconnected from the frame. The spacers 100 and 102 may then be removed. The spacers 100, 102, of course, may comprise a 4×4 wood timber beam which is 16 inches in length and is positioned at spaced locations as depicted in FIG. 4C abutting the tie 84 to thereby act as a guide of the tie 81 when the frame is lowered. The result is the placement of a series of six ties in the example given at a uniform center to center distance of 24 inches. Of course the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 is designed to position ten ties in a desired pattern easily and quickly.

Typically, however, the frame, such as the frame depicted in FIGS. 1-3 and 5 is designed to hold a series of at least ten ties in parallel, co-planar array. Thus, ten or more ties may be quickly and easily positioned on a roadbed at desired intervals by the mechanism of the invention. Of course, the intervals may be adjusted depending upon the spacing of the attachment openings, such as openings 40 and 42. Additionally, other variations of the frame and the operation thereof may be provided such as a frame with a slight curvature in order to accommodate a roadbed designed for a curve in the rail. The adjustment of the center to center distance between ties may be altered or chosen to accommodate any desired functionality with respect to the design of the railroad and rail assembly.

FIGS. 7-14 depict various features incorporated in embodiments of the invention. For example, FIG. 7 depicts a clevis 62 attached to the plate 60 which, in turn, is affixed to the cross member 26. The clevis 62 is pivotally mounted on a pin 61 which serves to attach the clevis 62 to the plate 60. A hook 66 associated with a crane such as depicted in FIG. 5 may thus be engaged with the clevis 62 to position the frame assembly of FIGS. 1-3.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict an alternative construction for attachment of connecting members to ties. In FIG. 8, a safety hook 45 is attached to the end of a chain 44. The safety hook 45 is designed to engage the clips such as depicted in FIG. 6A of concrete ties. The hook 45 may be easily engaged and disengaged from the clips associated with concrete ties.

FIG. 9 depicts an alternative connecting member 48 wherein the member is designed to slidably engage a slot positioned between or defined in a plate configuration which is incorporated in a concrete tie. By way of example as depicted in FIG. 6A a slot 65 may be included or formed between spaced clip support assemblies such as assemblies 67 and 69. Thus, the attachment member 48 which includes a lower plate section 48 a as depicted in FIG. 9 may be slidably engaged with the slot 65 and easily positioned therein or removed therefrom to effect attachment or release of a connecting member from a tie.

Alternatively, as depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11 the safety hook 45 may be engaged with the concrete cross tie rail locking clip 71 as depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11. The clips 71 are incorporated typically in concrete ties and may be adjusted to maintain rails placed on the ties on a roadbed. Use of a clip or retaining member 71 in cooperation with a safety hook 45 thus provides an efficient means to couple the concrete cross ties to the frame construction described. FIG. 12 further illustrates the duality of purpose of the clips 71 for cooperation with safety hooks as well as to hold a rail locked to a tie.

FIGS. 13 and 14 comprise end views of the frame 18 with a depending chain or connecting members 44 attached to the tie. Consequently, the flexibility of the connecting members becomes an aspect of the invention along with the symmetry of the construction of the frame 18. Of course, the frame symmetry effect can be adjusted or created in various ways in order to maintain the ties is a co-planar attitude. For example, a crane may be connected by support cables to multiple points of a frame 18 in order to maintain the appropriate attitude of the frame 18 in combination with the connecting members 44 with attachment members such as the safety clips 45.

Referring to FIG. 13, the frame 18 with a depending connecting members 40 is depicted supporting a wide gauge cross tie. That is, the space between the parallel rails may be greater than the space between the generally parallel frame members 20 and 22. The embodiment of the invention accommodates such a wide gauge rail assembly inasmuch as the connecting members 44 are generally flexible. Moreover the symmetry of the frame in combination with the component parts assures that the ties supported by the frame 18 and the component parts attached thereto will maintain its balance and control of the attitude of the ties is thus enhanced for wide gauge rail set of across ties. In similar fashion as depicted in FIG. 14 in the event the cross ties are associated with a narrow gauge rail track, the frame because of the flexibility of the connecting members 44 will accommodate attachment of the connecting members and symmetrical control of the attitude of the ties supported by the frame 18.

Further, the frame members 20, 22, may be more closely spaced or spaced further than the spacing of rails. A single center beam or frame member may be used with transverse cross bars attached there to having connector links or chains suspended therefrom. Multiple combinations of frame design, connector links, chains, cables, etc. and cross tie attachment combinations may be constructed to enable carriage of multiple cross ties that are detachable in patters as described. The center support clevis may be replaced by various alternate support arrangements designed to maintain the frame generally horizontal when loaded or partially loaded. For example, cables may be attached to the corners of a rectangular horizontal frame and may be adjustable in length or with respect to the points of attachment to the frame. Thus, while there has been set forth an embodiment of the invention, the invention is to be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for setting multiple railroad ties on a roadbed at a fixed spacing between each pair of multiple ties comprising the steps of: (a) providing a support frame, said frame including a first generally longitudinal frame member and a second generally parallel, spaced longitudinal frame member, said first and second frame members each including a plurality of multiple, spaced tie engaging connectors depending respectively from the first and second frame members, at least selected connectors including a free end with a tie engaging mechanism for attachment to a rail tie, said frame further including at least one connecting cross member connected to and maintaining the first member and second member in generally parallel aligned array with multiple sets of opposed spaced connectors arrayed to simultaneously be connected to and support multiple ties in generally parallel, side by side array by said frame and depending connectors, said connectors longitudinally spaced from each other on said first member and said second member at least about one half of the fixed spacing; (b) attaching, ties to the connectors to provide an array of generally parallel ties supported by said frame; (c) positioning the frame over the roadbed with the ties suspended in proximity to the roadbed; (d) lowering the ties onto the bed; (e) detaching connectors from selected ties; (f) lifting the frame to remove the remaining ties from the roadbed; (g) positioning the frame for placement of the remaining ties on the bed; (h) placing the remaining ties on the bed; and (i) detaching the connectors from remaining ties.
 2. A method for setting railroad cross ties comprising the steps of: (a) providing a support frame including a plurality of laterally depending pairs of laterally spaced tie support members attached to said frame, each support member including a tie connection member, said connection members of said tie support members arrayed for engaging and supporting multiple ties in generally, coplanar side by side array; (b) attaching ties to said connection members; (c) positioning said ties over a roadbed by lifting and moving said frame; (d) lowering said frame to position said ties on the roadbed; (e) detaching connection members from selected said ties; (f) lifting said frame and the non-selected ties from said roadbed; (g) positioning said non-selected ties on said roadbed by moving said frame; and (h) detaching the non-selected ties from said connection members.
 3. Apparatus for simultaneously setting multiple railroad ties on a roadbed at a fixed spacing between each adjacent pair of multiple ties comprising: a support frame, said frame including a longitudinal axis; a plurality of multiple pairs of longitudinally, spaced tie engaging connectors depending from the frame, at least selected connectors including a free end with a tie engaging mechanism for attachment to a tie, said engaging mechanisms arrayed to simultaneously be connected to and support multiple ties in generally, side by side co-planar array by said frame, said connectors longitudinally spaced from each other on said first from at least about one half of the fixed spacing.
 4. Apparatus for simultaneously setting multiple railroad ties on a roadbed at a fixed spacing between each adjacent pair of multiple ties comprising: a support frame, said frame including a longitudinal axis; a plurality of multiple, spaced tie engaging connectors depending from the frame at least selected connectors including a free end with a tie engaging mechanism for attachment to a tie, said frame including multiple sets of opposed spaced connectors arrayed to simultaneously be connected to and support multiple ties in generally parallel, side by side co-planar array by said frame and depending connectors, said connectors longitudinally spaced from each other on said first from at least about one half of the fixed spacing, and said frame includi9ng a lift attachment device for support of said frame and ties in a generally horizontal attitude.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said connectors are flexible.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said tie engaging mechanisms are selected from the group consisting of a hook, a safety hook, a clamp, a fastener and combinations thereof.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said tie engaging mechanisms are selected from the group consisting of a hook, a safety hook, a clamp, a fastener and combinations thereof.
 8. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said connectors are substantially of equal length.
 9. The apparatus of claim 3 including a frame lift attachment device for engagement by a frame lift apparatus.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the lift attachment device comprises a frame attachment assembly for maintaining the ties supported by said frame in a generally horizontally balanced position.
 11. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said connectors are flexible.
 12. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said tie engaging mechanisms are selected from the group consisting of a hook, a safety hook, a clamp, a fastener and combinations thereof.
 13. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said connectors are substantially of equal length.
 14. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the lift attachment device comprises a frame attachment assembly for maintaining the ties supported by said frame in a generally horizontally balanced position.
 15. Apparatus for simultaneously setting multiple railroad ties in generally parallel array on a roadbed at a fixed spacing between each adjacent pair of multiple ties comprising: a support frame, said frame including a longitudinal axis; a plurality of multiple, spaced generally flexible, tie engaging connectors depending from the frame, at least pairs of selected spaced connectors arrayed transversely to the longitudinal axis and including a free end with a tie engaging mechanism for attachment to a single tie, said frame including multiple sets of said selected opposed spaced connectors arrayed to simultaneously be connected by said tie engaging mechanisms to and in support of multiple ties in generally parallel, side by side co-planar array by said the frame and the depending connectors, said connectors longitudinally spaced from each other at least about one half of the fixed spacing, and said frame including a lift attachment device for support of said frame and ties in a generally horizontal attitude; said tie engaging mechanisms selected from the group consisting of a hook, a safety hook, a clamp, a fastener and combinations thereof; said connectors having a substantially equal length; said frame comprising first and second generally longitudinally extending, generally parallel frame members connected by at least first and second spaced cross members, said frame members spaced generally the distance of a set of parallel rails on a roadbed; and said lift attachment device comprising a frame lift member located generally medially transversely and longitudinally between the frame members. 